Richard Woo is the CEO of the Russell Family Foundation, based in the Puget Sound region. Richard joins the Philanthropy Hour to discuss their work in tackling renewable energy efforts, water quality, environmental sustainability, and leadership development. We talk about the concepts of collective impact, responsive grant making, and impact investing as an effective vehicle. Richard addresses the importance of fostering strong relationships, approachability, and inclusiveness. The role of the Foundation is to be accessible to the local community, to strive for endless curiosity and lifelong learning, and support those change agents who are making a difference in the world. This is a reflection of the values of the founders, George and Jane Russell. Take a listen!

Roger Nozaki is the Vice President of the Barr Foundation, one of the largest private foundations serving the New England region. He oversees the grant making programs, learning and evaluation, and operational activities. Previously, Mr. Nozaki was the senior policy advisor in the Office of the Under Secretary at the U.S. Department of Education. Prior to joining the Education Department, Roger held posts at the Hitachi Foundation and GE Foundation, and as associate dean at Brown University.

Roger Nozaki of the Barr Foundation joins the show today to discuss the funding priorities of the Barr Foundation, what it means to be a community funder, and the advantages of having deep roots in the community, with strong partnerships. Roger also delves into learning and evaluation of grants for greater impact, and we explore some of the important trends taking place in philanthropy. Roger has a lot of keen insights into effective philanthropic models, how we can affect the most change.

Vikki Spruill, President and CEO of Council on Foundations, speaks to the Philanthropy Hour on the work of the Council, how they represent all of various grantmakers across the country, and how they provide effective resources. Vikki addresses the impact and value of American philanthropy in general, as well as the importance of charitable giving. She discusses some of the emerging trends in philanthropy, and how Foundations are responding to these different charitable vehicles. She has a great understanding of the philanthropic climate, and what it will take to advocate on behalf of the sector.

Dan joins the Philanthropy Hour to talk about how all Americans are philanthropists, but not necessarily in a good way. There is currently a "war on wealth," and we need to do a better job of understanding how the flow of money works in order to leverage our investments and protect our hard-earned money. By doing so, we all have more capacity to give, to be charitable, and to do more good. Because of our current tax laws and the structure of our government codes, Americans are well positioned to protect their finances and support charitable causes that they are passionate about. It is a perfect mix, but we must be better educated on how to leverage our current wealth. We can grow our nest egg while also creating a charitable legacy. It is time to become intentional philanthropists, not accidental ones.

Mark Kramer is the co-Founder and Managing Director of FSG, as well as the co-Founder of Center for Effective Philanthropy. He is also an accomplished speaker and author, and has published extensively on topics in philanthropy and Corporate Social Responsibility.

On the show, Mark discusses his theories of Collective Impact, Shared Value, and the secret to truly impactful, catalytic philanthropy. This is not about inventing new business models, or recreating systems, but about aligning our values with our intentions, and opening lines of communications. There must also be an understanding that catalytic change can never occur without the collaboration of multiple organizations, working across sectors, with a common agenda. The true path to real philanthropy is a passion for the cause, and an understanding of the underlying issues.

Margaret Hall is the Executive Director of The Greenlight Fund, a national venture philanthropy organization, which she co-founded with John Simon in Boston. In the past 10 years, they have scaled this venture philanthropy model to five other cities, most recently in Detroit. Margaret explains the GreenLight Fund model, the inspiration for bringing venture philanthropy to the nonprofit sector, and how they are creating a more connected and integrated network of service partners. This is a wonderful, innovative approach to involving communities and bringing the best social services to the people.

David Greco is the head of Social Sector Partners. Social Sector Partners works to transform organizations working to achieve social impact through strategic adaptation, business model repositioning, and scaling programs. Healthy, vibrant, and just communities require a strong and sustainable social sector.

David provides a continuum of consulting services to help build the capacity, financial strength and sustainability of community based organizations. In this podcast, he discusses his experience working with funders and donors to develop more effective grantmaking strategies, build the skill and capacity of program staff, and improve grantmaking outcomes.

Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors develops strategic plans, conducts research, manages foundations and trusts, structures major gifts, coordinates donor collaboratives, and provides re-granting and fiscal sponsorship services. Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors annually manages or facilitates about $200 million in giving to more than 20 countries. It has offices in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago.

On the show, Ms. Berman discusses a new framework for shaping, discussing and assessing the core beliefs and capabilities that underlie a foundation, or any giving program.

Explore how the “Theory of the Foundation” framework allows funders to look at their giving, the environments in which they operate, and their core competencies with fresh eyes and renewed commitment — potentially setting a new course and increasing impact for your organization.

Antony Bugg-Levine is the CEO of Nonprofit
Finance Fund, a national nonprofit and financial intermediary
that unlocks the potential of mission-driven organizations. through
tailored investment, strategic advice, and accessible insights. In
this interview, Antony delves deeper into the outcomes-based
approaches that NFF has been taking on lately, in partnership with
government, private sector, and philanthropic organizations. He
gives concrete examples of organizations and movements that NFF has
supported through outcomes-based funding. This includes the
recently announced partnership that NFF made with the Federal
Reserve Bank of San Francisco to provide a knowledge campaign
around supporting outcomes-based approaches.

Antony also discusses some of the bigger trends in the
philanthropic sector, and how NFF is keeping pace with the constant
growth and innovation. This is an insightful and illuminating
conversation with one of the sector's brightest minds.

Paul Shoemaker is the Founding President of Social Venture
Partners International, and he led SVP Seattle as the Executive
Director for 17 years. He is fresh off of his recent book, 'Can't
Not Do,' which is a call to action of sorts for the social sector,
rich with personal stories and actionable advice.

In this interview, Paul discusses certain trends in the social
sector. He talks about his experiences with Social Venture
Partners, why the venture philanthropy model works, and how these
ideas are manifesting themselves in different parts of the country,
as well as spreading globally. As an author and frequent speaker,
Paul is concerned with helping people focus on their commitment to
social good, and overcoming the obstacles that stand in their way.
Here he stresses getting back to the basics when it comes to
philanthropy, and how we all play a part in strengthening the
social sector.